The phrase refers to the act of individuals on the social media platform Reddit reporting their presence, experiences, or observations within New York City. This commonly takes the form of posts or comments within relevant subreddits (online communities) where users share information about current events, local happenings, or personal anecdotes specific to the city. For instance, a user might post about a street closure due to a parade, a new restaurant opening, or a particularly noteworthy interaction they had while navigating the subway system.
This practice serves several functions, including providing real-time information about the city, fostering a sense of community among residents and visitors, and facilitating the sharing of local knowledge. Historically, such exchanges occurred primarily through word-of-mouth or local news outlets. The internet and platforms like Reddit have broadened access to this information, allowing for a more diverse range of voices and experiences to be shared and consumed by a wider audience. This crowdsourced reporting can be especially valuable during emergencies or times of rapid change, offering insights that might not be readily available through traditional channels.